Cities and Towns in Matagorda County, Texas
Founded in 1836, Matagorda County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Matagorda County was one of the original 23 counties. The city of Bay City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 321, Matagorda County has a population of 36,344 and area of 1,114 square miles (2,885 km²).
List of all cities in Matagorda County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bay City, TX | 77404 | 979 |
| 77414 | 979 | |
| Blessing, TX | 77419 | 361 |
| Buckeye, TX | 77414 | 979 |
| Cedar Lake, TX | 77414 | 979 |
| Cedar Lane, TX | 77415 | 979 |
| Clemville, TX | 77414 | 979 |
| Collegeport, TX | 77428 | 361 |
| Elmaton, TX | 77440 | 361 |
| Markham, TX | 77456 | 979 |
| Matagorda, TX | 77457 | 979 |
| Midfield, TX | 77458 | 361 |
| Palacios, TX | 77465 | 361 |
| Pledger, TX | 77468 | 979 |
| Sargent, TX | 77404 | 979 |
| 77414 | 979 | |
| Van Vleck, TX | 77482 | 979 |
| Wadsworth, TX | 77483 | 979 |
Major Cities and Towns in Matagorda County, Texas
Matagorda County, located along the Gulf Coast of Texas, is known for its natural beauty, including extensive beaches, wetlands, and marshes, as well as its rich historical background. The county is home to several towns and cities, each with its own unique character, many of which have ties to the region’s agricultural, maritime, and oil-based industries. Below are the major cities and towns in Matagorda County.
Bay City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 8.6 square miles
- Population: 18,300 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 77414
- Latitude: 28.9784° N
- Longitude: 95.9681° W
City Location and History
Bay City, the county seat of Matagorda County, is located approximately 40 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico along the Colorado River. It was founded in the mid-19th century as a small settlement, and its location near the river made it a key point for trade and transportation in the region. Originally called “Bay Prairie,” the town was renamed to Bay City in 1901. The development of the railroad in the early 20th century played a significant role in Bay City’s growth, particularly in the agriculture and oil industries, which became the backbone of the local economy.
Throughout the 20th century, Bay City became known for its large-scale rice production and shrimping industry. In the post-World War II years, oil and gas exploration brought further economic expansion, with numerous refineries and petrochemical plants established in the area. Despite its industrial focus, Bay City retains its small-town charm and has continued to grow as the commercial and cultural hub of Matagorda County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bay City is served by the Bay City Independent School District, which includes Bay City High School, Bay City Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district offers strong academic programs, athletic teams, and extracurricular opportunities. Bay City High School is known for its competitive sports teams, particularly in football, as well as for its arts programs and student clubs. The district is also home to the Matagorda County Navigation District, which provides educational outreach on the region’s maritime and agricultural history.
Key landmarks in Bay City include the Matagorda County Museum, which features exhibits on local history, agriculture, and the area’s relationship with the Gulf Coast. The Bay City Civic Center is another notable landmark, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, from trade shows to community festivals. Additionally, the nearby Matagorda Beach and Matagorda Bay provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The city’s historic downtown area is home to a number of preserved buildings, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.
Palacios
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: 5,100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 77465
- Latitude: 28.7104° N
- Longitude: 96.2057° W
City Location and History
Palacios, located along the western shore of Matagorda Bay, is a small coastal city known for its scenic beauty and rich history as a maritime hub. The town was originally settled in the late 19th century and quickly grew due to its location on the bay, which made it an ideal spot for shipping, fishing, and trade. Palacios was officially incorporated in 1900 and saw rapid development in the early 20th century, especially in the shrimping and fishing industries.
The town’s history is tied closely to the fishing and seafood industries, and Palacios became known as the “City by the Sea” for its focus on maritime activities. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s helped the town grow and established Palacios as a center for shipping and trade in the region. Over the years, Palacios continued to thrive as a waterfront community, with a mix of commercial fishing, tourism, and agriculture supporting the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Palacios is served by the Palacios Independent School District, which includes Palacios High School, Palacios Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic performance, as well as its emphasis on extracurricular activities, particularly in athletics and the arts. Palacios High School is well-regarded for its competitive sports programs, especially in football, baseball, and track and field.
Prominent landmarks in Palacios include the Palacios Heritage Museum, which showcases the town’s history, with a focus on its maritime heritage and the history of the fishing industry. The city’s proximity to Matagorda Bay and the Gulf of Mexico makes it a popular destination for fishing and boating, with several piers and marinas along the waterfront. Palacios is also home to the local nature preserve, which offers opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation. The town’s historic waterfront and beaches are popular destinations for tourists seeking a relaxed coastal experience. Palacios is also known for its seafood, with local restaurants offering fresh catches from the bay.
Markham
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 900 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 77456
- Latitude: 28.9545° N
- Longitude: 96.1786° W
City Location and History
Markham is a small rural town located in the northeastern part of Matagorda County, Texas. Founded in the late 1800s, the town was originally established as a stop on the railroad, and its early growth was tied to the agricultural activities in the region. Markham is located near the intersection of State Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 59, making it a key stop for travelers and trade in the region.
The town’s economy was historically centered around farming and ranching, particularly rice production, as well as cotton and cattle. Though it is a small town today, Markham once saw greater growth as a center for agriculture, and it served as a trading hub for surrounding farming communities. Over the years, Markham has maintained its rural identity, with a strong focus on agriculture and a slower pace of life compared to the larger towns in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Markham is part of the Van Vleck Independent School District, with students attending Van Vleck High School, Junior High, and elementary schools. The school district is known for its strong academic programs and competitive athletic teams, with football and track and field being particularly popular.
Landmarks in Markham are limited, but the town is known for its peaceful rural atmosphere. The surrounding countryside is marked by farmlands, open fields, and winding roads that provide a quintessential snapshot of rural Texas. Nearby, the Colorado River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, while the town’s historic buildings reflect its agricultural roots. Markham’s location makes it a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for those looking to explore the less urbanized areas of Matagorda County. The surrounding region is also known for its birding and wildlife preserves, attracting nature enthusiasts.
Matagorda
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 77457
- Latitude: 28.7263° N
- Longitude: 95.9605° W
City Location and History
Matagorda, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, is one of the oldest towns in the state, founded in the 1820s. The name “Matagorda” is derived from the Spanish word for “fat bay” or “stout bay,” referring to the bay’s rich natural resources. The town grew around its position as a key port for trade and commerce in the early days of Texas, particularly for the shipment of agricultural products such as cotton, as well as cattle and hides.
In the 19th century, Matagorda was an important center for shipping and trade, with a thriving harbor that facilitated the export of goods. However, by the early 20th century, the rise of other transportation routes and the construction of larger ports caused the town to decline in economic importance. Despite this, Matagorda remains a historical landmark in Texas history, with many structures and locations in the town designated as historical sites.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Matagorda is part of the Matagorda Independent School District, which provides educational services for local students. The district is known for its small, close-knit school environment, with strong community involvement. Matagorda is served by a single high school, Matagorda High School, which offers both academic and athletic programs for students.
Landmarks in Matagorda include the historic Matagorda Lighthouse, which was originally built in the 1850s and offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding area. The Matagorda County Museum is another key attraction, providing insight into the town’s rich history and maritime past. The town is also known for its proximity to Matagorda Bay, which is a popular spot for fishing, bird watching, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, Matagorda Beach attracts tourists and locals for its serene coastal beauty and opportunities for water sports, picnicking, and fishing.